MG, the Chinese-owned automaker, may be on the verge of entering the highly competitive Australian ute market with the upcoming MG P9, a dual-cab that looks strikingly familiar.
Recently spotted in China, the MG P9 could be a rebadged version of the LDV Terron 9, positioning it as a serious contender against established heavyweights like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
MG P9: A Familiar Face
The MG P9, photographed on a tow truck in China, bears a strong resemblance to the Maxus Star X, already confirmed for Australian release under the LDV Terron 9 badge.
Both MG and LDV are subsidiaries of SAIC Motor, but they operate independently in Australia—MG distributes its own vehicles, while Ateco Group handles LDV.
Why the MG P9 Matters
MG’s Australian executives have been vocal about the importance of launching a ute to secure a top spot in the market.
“In Australia, without a ute, you’ll never get a chance to stand on the top three,” said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao.
The brand has ambitious goals, aiming to break into the top five brands by 2027 and the top three by 2030.
According to Giles Belcher, MG’s Chief Commercial Officer:
“You can’t do it without a ute, so connect the dots.”
Potential Powertrain and Dimensions
Documents suggest that the Terron 9, and by extension the MG P9, will feature:
- A 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 164kW and 520Nm.
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options.
- An eight-speed automatic transmission.
The ute measures 5500mm long, 1997mm wide, and 1860mm tall, with a 3300mm wheelbase and 220mm ground clearance, providing competitive proportions for Australian buyers.
Electric Variant: The eTerron 9
The MG P9 could also adopt the electric eTerron 9, an EV variant of the Terron 9 that includes:
- Single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD options.
- Power outputs of 200kW (RWD) and 325kW (AWD).
- A 102kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering up to 430km WLTP range.
If the P9 launches as an EV in Australia, it would challenge the likes of the Ford Ranger EV and other electric utes expected to enter the market soon.
MG’s Market Ambitions
Entering the Australian ute market is no small feat. Between January and November 2024, utes accounted for 19% of all new vehicle sales, shared among 11 brands.
Dominated by established players like Toyota and Ford, the segment is fiercely competitive.
MG already sells rebadged SAIC Motor products, such as the MG Extender (a version of the LDV T60) in Thailand.
However, the Extender has been ruled out for Australia, with MG aiming to introduce a ute better suited to local tastes and demands.
“We assess everything on its own merits. If we think it suits the Australian market, then we will do our best to get that product,” said Giles Belcher.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the P9 shares its DNA with the Terron 9, MG faces a potential branding challenge: can it differentiate itself enough from LDV to justify its place in the market?
With the ute segment growing and consumer interest in both traditional diesel and electric options, the MG P9 could capitalize on:
- Affordability: A hallmark of Chinese brands.
- EV leadership: Leveraging the eTerron 9 to appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Tech-forward features: To rival premium offerings from Ford and Toyota.
Will the MG P9 Come to Australia?
MG has yet to confirm the P9 for Australia, but its ambitions suggest it’s only a matter of time.
As MG eyes a slice of the lucrative ute segment, the P9 could be the key to achieving its goals.
Whether as a diesel workhorse or a cutting-edge EV, the MG P9 promises to shake up the ute market—and Australian buyers will be watching closely
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Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
